New Track from Famous Problems

My only real experience as a fan of Famous Problems is an earlier single they released last year on WIAIWYA. And, it looks like less than a year later, they’ve completed a delightful mini-album for our consumption. It opens in boisterous fashion…crashing drums and ringing guitars. Immediately after it settles into an off-kilter powerpop bounce; the lyrics are just on the edge of being spoken word, but something in the way the notes are rounded off gives the impression of crooning atop this hit. It sounds like classic rock n’ roll by a group that just wants you to fall in love; look for the Hey! It’s Raining mini album in April via the aforementioned WIAIWYA.

Ten Records from 2017 People Probably Overlooked

It’s that silly time of year when we ascribe arbitrary rankings to the music created by our favorite artists. And, I’ve already seen a few lists from the likes of Paste or Rolling Stone (among others) that I find completely off the mark. Now, our ATH End of Year list will be a team effort, so here is a list of records I adored that probably won’t end up on too many other “Best of Lists,” though I think they should! Again, no particular order, just ten albums you should enjoy. …that you might have forgotten about.

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Still Jamming This Mammoth Penguins LP

We’re at that point of the year when music slowly starts to fade as people scramble to tell you what you should have listened to in 2017. I’m guilty of it myself, but a release that’s still fairly fresh, and still getting constant play, is the new Mammoth Penguins (& Friends) LP, John Doe. It’s a concept album centered around the title character, told through various characters. But, don’t get lost on the idea of what is or isn’t a “concept” album; sit back and enjoy the dedication to the songwriting that’s prevalent throughout. Think of it as a great pop record for people who love to read books! If you haven’t gotten a copy, you can grab yours from WIAIWYA.

Indiepop Fans Will Love Elva

You’re going to love Elva, and in fact, you probably already do without even realizing it. The band is comprised of members of the disbanded Allo Darlin, and Making Marks. Today news broke that the group will be releasing their debut 7″ for WIAIWYA, and we’ve got one of the songs below for you. It’s the perfect execution of understated pop, focusing on the natural melody created by the vocals, as well as the instrumentation behind. Tight drumming keeps a slight bit of pace to keep your toes-a-tapping. And of course, combining male and female vocals in unison is always going to hit home for fans of the genre…though I’d say for any fans of great music. This here is a gift that will make your day; it has already made my day better. Look for the limited edition release to drop right before Christmas; go grab it HERE before it runs out.

I Missed This Mammoth Penguins Tune

You undoubtedly are aware of my Emma Kupa fandom. It seems like this is her year…she’s already released a great Hayman Kupa Band LP, she’s playing with Suggested Friends and in the last two weeks her band Mammoth Penguins have announced their newest album, John Doe. The angular chords chopping from the get-go kick off this new tune, allowing Kupa to rock a stellar vocal performance as the rest of the group fill the track with percussion. There’s almost a shuffling boogie from the chorus, keeping listeners hooked with that sugary pop vibe. Look for the new album on October 13th via WIAIWYA.

New Music from Famous Problems

As of late, I’ve been really getting stuck into broad sweeping pop ballads, and this new track from Famous Problems is doing just the trick today. There’s a little guitar tinkering in the song’s latter half, but that powerful voice keeps me coming back and back again…it’s akin to some of Richard Hawley‘s work, though imagine it stripped way down. This song will appear on an excellent 7″ from WIAIWYA, which is one of the many reliable boutique labels out there…look for it on April 7th.

Nintendo Pop from Deerful

deerfulI always check in on WIAIWYA, one of my favorite micro-labels overseas. They just put up information on Deerful and the project’s Home EP. For me, it’s great, as the music really sounds exactly like the early Nintendo games, just with the heavenly voice of Emma Witson singing atop. I guess in that, there’s a huge level of familiarity, but also an endearing enchantment that’s let me get sucked in completely. Sometimes, the simplest approach is often the most rewarding, and I feel as if this song proves exactly that!

Freshcard Misses Her Friends

freshcardI think all of us can relate to the sentiment within the new Freshcard track; it’s a feeling for longing to be with your friends. The German songwriter has a bit of an accent (at least to my Americanized ears), but that makes her delivery on this number all the more appealing, providing it with an added layer of longing. Seems like she just wants a little sign from her friends that they love and miss her too, “that’s all.” I don’t think it’s too much to ask, especially if she keeps writing such endearing tracks. Look for her new album Sunday Night on September 30th via WIAIWYA.

Play This Nancy Sin Track Again and Again

nancysinHope you saw what I did there. But, putting that aside, this beautiful track from Nancy Sin is absolutely marvelous. It’s not quite indiepop, but it’s not quite bedroom dreamy either…it lurks somewhere in the middle, somewhere you let yourself go. If you do so, you’ll find that you drift gently into the perfect emotional state, where only great tunes can lead your soul. Not going to lie…I’ve been playing it on repeat all morning long. This tune’s been floating around for a while now, and I think it’s high time you fell in love with it. Grab it from WIAIWYA.

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Melancholy Tune from Whoa Melodic

whoaOne of the little labels of the world that I follow closely is WIAIWYA, who don’t release too often, but when they do, they always have their finger on the pulse of great tunes. They’ve just upped this brand new song from Whoa Melodic, reminding me of just how well they are at picking up great acts. This track definitely has a somber feel to it, but in doing that, there’s also a lyrical promise to be true to one’s self. It’s got that same musical sentiment as M. Ward, but for some reason, feels more accessible and sincere. As of now, looks like this will be released as a 7″ come November.

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